Welcome to TFP!
You will need one of the
Recommended Test Kits to properly manage your pool. I use the TF-100 because it's the best value and they have a freshness guarantee. You can order it here:
TFTestkits.net. They ship fast - you should have it in your hands in 2-3 days with normal shipping. If you want to really do the right thing, I would order one of these test kits tonight. Do not rely on pool store testing - it is notably inaccurate and they will use those results to sell you all sorts of chemicals you do not need that will cost you way more than this test kit.
We generally recommend adjusting pH first followed by chlorine and CYA (a.k.a, stabilizer). But we need test results from a trusted kit in order to tell you how much of what to add for your pool. However, until you get your test kit, I would add 2 ppm chlorine (FC) to keep from getting an algae outbreak.
NOTE: This is not a long-term recommendation - it's just to tide you over until the test kit arrives. Assuming your pool is 18'x48"
round, you will need to add 23 oz of 8.25% liquid bleach to get 2 ppm FC.
While you are waiting for your kit to arrive, here are some resources to give you an overview of managing your pool using our methods:
- ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry
- Chlorine CYA Chart
- Recommended Pool Chemicals
- Recommended Levels
- Pool Math
Suggest adding information about your pool and related equipment in your signature. By doing this, it will automatically appear in all your posts so you do not have to re-enter it each time. If you have a SWG, please include those letters in your signature so it stands out as the advice for SWG vs. non-SWG is often different.
Here's how to do this:
Adding pool info to your signature.